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Meet the Staff

Monte Ferris, Owner and President

Monte Ferris grew up at The Venus de Milo. He began as a pot and pan washer at the age of 11 and learned the business by working his way through every job: bussing, serving, tending bar, hosting and managing the restaurant. He also worked events as a maître d’, eventually working his way into general management. Monte succeeded his older brother Ronald as the owner/president of the family business in September 2009, following his brother’s passing, which includes the management of The Venus de Milo, Jillian’s Sports Bar, as well as considerable real estate holdings and investments.

After graduating from Durfee High School, Monte went on to graduate from Suffolk University and continues his education today with programs at Cornell University’s Business School. He has also continued his father’s legacy of community service by serving as President of The Fall River Chamber of Commerce, a founder of the Chamber Legislative Committee and the Chamber CEO Club. He has also served on the Economic Development Board and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Monte and his father, Monsour Ferris, were both honored for their civic service, receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from The Fall River Chamber of Commerce, the first father and son to ever receive that distinction.

Monte Ferris has also supported and participated in other charitable organizations, including The Boys and Girls Clubs of Fall River, MA and Providence, RI; The United Way of Fall River, MA and Providence, RI; The Rhode Island Preservation Society; St. Vincent’s Home; Our Sister’s Place; Jerry Lawton’s Homeless Shelter; People’s Inc.; Operation Christmas; Fall River Diabetes Association; Easter Seals; St. Jude’s Foundation; The Federation for the Blind; and many other organizations throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Alan Abdallah, General Manager

Not unlike Monte’s career, Alan Abdallah has worked at The Venus since his high school days in the mid 1970s. Since 1997, he has served as the General Manager, managing the operations for both banquets and the restaurant, as well as training service staff and managing the culinary team through lead chefs. A lifelong resident of Swansea, MA, he is also a graduate of Case High School in addition to Johnson and Wales University.

Alan provides the management team with an appreciation for the history of Venus de Milo, as well as a dedication to service that is based fully on our founder’s principles and a connection with longtime clients and guests. He is a “lead by example” type of manager who serves as a senior mentor to the entire staff, embracing the spirit of community through youth involvement and employment.

Chef Larry

A long-time employee of The Venus, Chef Larry has worked his way up through the ranks in our award-winning kitchen. Today Larry runs the banqueting division and has become a master of production. He often serves over a thousand meals in a single day with consistent quality and service.